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Thursday, August 25, 2016

I have so much updating to do, including finishing my posts on the mother/daughter event. Where did the time go? As the summer draws to a close, I am getting more excited for fall and our coming child, as well as overwhelmed, by everything I must accomplish in the next three months.

Every child is a cause for celebration and a special gift from God. I wanted to do something for this baby to celebrate the amazing joy that has come to our lives through this pregnancy. Despite all the difficulties and complications I have faced over the years with every pregnancy, I still truly have enjoyed being pregnant whenever I have been blessed to be so. However, there is something truly special about this pregnancy.

I have not had one single complication or issue, it has been smooth sailing the whole way. If I were only about six years younger, it would be considered a picture perfect pregnancy. It has been a great blessing and gift, and my husband and I are just overflowing with joy and happiness.

One of the members of my online pregnancy group posted the idea of a rosary shower. It seemed like just what I was looking to do. So, I sent out evites to the special ladies in my life from church and long time friends asking them to gather for a rosary to pray for baby.

Every new baby is a cause to celebrate. Come celebrate with us as Jennifer gets ready to welcome her new child.
Please join us for a “Visitation” where we will pray the joyful mysteries of the rosary for Jennifer, Drew, and Baby.
The Annunciation –Like Mary she has conceived and will bear a child
The Visitation – Like Mary, she has been blessed and prayed and trusted in God to give her children
The Nativity – We will celebrate the birth of her child
The Presentation in the Temple – Like Mary & Joseph, Jennifer and
Drew will bring their child up in the Catholic faith, beginning with a
baptism
The Finding in the Temple – Jennifer and Drew will teach their child to proclaim the messages of the HEAVENLY FATHER
Please join us for a tea and light refreshments. This is NOT a gift giving event, only a chance to gather and pray. Thank you.

Pretty

I truly enjoy fancy tablecloths with linen and lace. Pink is my favorite color, always has been. I agonized over whether to use a pink or blue tablecloth, though. Pink because it is so pretty, blue for Our Lady. I knew either one would leave people reading into my choice, when it had nothing to do with the baby itself. I was relieved when I realized we needed two tables. So, I used one of each.

I even broke out the good china, silver flatware, and crystal glasses. Some of my guests were a little afraid to use such nice pieces. If a miracle baby isn't reason enough to use the good stuff, I don't know what is.

A dear friend from church brought me this beautiful rose. It made the perfect centerpiece. Have I mentioned that pink roses are my favorite flower?

I was blessed to be able to have the pilgrim statue this week. She was really the only decoration I had for the shower. I found my mother's pressed rose rosary and her Infant of Prague statue to complete my display.

Happy

I was so happy that my best friend and college roomie was able to make the long drive for the shower. We are like sisters and often got mistaken for twins in college. There are many things that computers mess up, and quite honestly they often complicate life instead of fixing it. However, a computer randomly matched us up and it couldn't have been more right. Kim is the perfect compliment for me as far as friends, and one of the only people I would ever willingly choose to be my roommate. I always joke about playing the lottery to win millions, but truly I have already won the best lottery there is. I not only ended up with the best roomie ever, I have a best friend for life!

Funny

I have not perfected the art of entertaining, serving, AND photographing events. Photos always seem to fall off the radar for me. However, I wanted some photos of the event. My Comare (Godmother) always takes pictures of the food at events, then we discuss the amazing menu. She was sick the day of the shower, so I wanted a photo for her. I was rushing, and am not quite tall enough to get a good aerial view, so this is what I ended up with. Please, believe me, it was much more impressive in person. We dined on Gluten free goat cheese, cherry tomato, and purple basil pizza, zoodle cucumber salad, homemade caponata (an Italian eggplant stew), roasted chicken, farro salad, gluten free blueberry lemon cake, vanilla meringues, hazelnut chocolate wafers, and lemon tartalettes.

I also found it funny that I discovered this delicious, yet incredibly easy, recipe for caponata for the first time. For generations, my family has been paying exorbitant prices to buy little cans of the stew imported from Italy. It is a family favorite, but we only ever had it at major events and holidays because it cost so much for so little. All this time, we could have just made it in the slow cooker. Wish I could have brought a pot of it to my grandmother, she would have enjoyed it so, and was always my best cheerleader.

So, rushing around and trying to take photos before anything got moved led to very blurry photos. My little set up looked so lovely, if I do say so myself, with my crystal stemware, pretty, blue china, crystal ice bucket, and selection of drinks on a beautiful cream table cloth. Please, close your eyes and imagine. I purchases a couple of French sodas, my favorite splurge drink ever. (You can keep you wine and fancy mixed cocktails, I'll savor my French lemonade soda.) a delicious peach nectar, and seltzer. What's that you say? There's no tea at my tea party. Well, you are correct. I got so caught up in everything, I forgot to make it. Mea culpa. No one missed it, though.

Real

I have been acutely aware of my grandmother's absence this pregnancy. I miss her so very much and wish she could be here to share in my joy. It seems difficult to comprehend that this child will never know my parents, nor my grandparents who have meant so much throughout my life. My heart aches for them every day, but they will only be vague stories and old photographs to my baby. I prayed on my grandmother's silver rosary and wore her MOM bracelet that my mother had bought her.

I also wore coral beads that I discovered in the jewelry box I inherited from my grandmother. There isn't anything very special in there, all her fine jewelry was stolen in a burglary over two decades ago, however it is priceless to me. I love to go in there and explore to find a piece that matches my outfit. The best part, though, is when I pull out a drawer or open a side, it still smells like her, and for that moment she is close to me, like she never even left.

A friend gave me a beautiful swing that her daughter has outgrown. It couldn't be more perfect. Another special blessing. Teddy is keeping it warm for baby. Despite all that has been lost, every goodbye that I have cried through over these past eight years, there is still so much hope and joy to be sought. Last year, beginning at Christmas 2014, was a heartbreak of a year. I lost my mother and my grandmother in four and a half months. I bid goodbye to my grandparents' home just two weeks later, my favorite place on this earth, as a child, and the most welcoming little space I ever knew. My heart was shattered, my soul crushed, I reeled from the intensity of the loss, and the trauma of watching the two most important women in my life slip into the hereafter. I was determined to make 2016 a fresh start, to find my joy and purpose once more. Now, after all those who I bid goodbye, I am preparing to welcome a new little love. Life truly is a circle, and God has been so good to me.

Stay safe little one, Mommy longs to hold you close, but for now rest well deep within me and remind me that the best is always yet to be!

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Well, I am a little behind on joining in but, I'm linking up with Jessica for her annual blog hop. I'm going to follow Jessica's guidelines for shipping and prefer to have payment made in Amazon e-card if possible--I have been trying to avoid Paypal as much as possible.

Here are the rules:

If you wish to purchase an item, please comment below and I will respond as soon as possible.

Please only reserve an item if you truly intend to purchase it.

For shipping and handling, please add $5 for 1-3 items and $7 for 4 or more items.

Please purchase an Amazon e-card and send it to my email jennifer.veilsandvocations@gmail.com once we have agreed on a price.

Please remember to include your full name and address in the notes section of the gift card.

Thank you so much, items will be shipped out next Tuesday after the sale is over. I may be adding items, so please check back.

Thursday, August 4, 2016

We have made it to the end of our novena of novenas. I am glad that I we have done it, but feel that there is still so much prayer that this world needs. Today begins the novena of St John Vianney. You can join in on that one by signing up here. August 15th also begins a Rosary novena for our country and the upcoming election, learn more about that here. More than anything, we need to keep praying, that is our greatest comfort and strongest weapon.

Thank you for taking this journey with me. Please stop back later this weekend for my Annual Blog Hop post, and check out all the other wonderful buys available over at Jessica's blog.

Here are the prayers for today:

Dear LORD, we have made this novena of novenas in petition for the protection of our priests and deacons and for the conversion of our enemies. Please fortify our priests in heart and mind that they may be graced to easily endure the challenges placed before them. Protect them from harm and help them to guide their flock through these turbulent waters. Please LORD protect our enemies and conquer their hearts, lead them to Your merciful and undying Love. Give them the strength to do what is right and just, and purify their souls that they may rest in Your Peace at the end of their days. We ask all of this in the name of Your beloved and holy Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Memorare (Pray nine times)

REMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that
anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy
intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to
thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before thee I
stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not
my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

St Michael Prayer

Saint Michael the
Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the malice and
snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray; and do thou, O
Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan
and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of
souls. Amen.

The Prayer to the Sacred Heart

Oh Lord Jesus Christ, to Your most Sacred Heart I confide this intention {name petition}.
Only look upon me, then do what Your love inspires. Let Your Sacred Heart decide.
I count on You. I trust in You. I throw myself on Your mercy. Lord Jesus, You will not fail me.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in You.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I believe in Your love for me.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, Your kingdom come.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I have asked You for many favors, but I earnestly implore this one.
Take it, place it in Your open Heart.
When the Eternal Father looks upon it, He will see it covered with Your Precious Blood.
It will be no longer my prayer, but Yours, Jesus. Sacred Heart of Jesus,
I place all my trust in You. Let me not be disappointed. Amen.
- See more at: http://www.prayers-for-special-help.com/prayer-to-the-sacred-heart.html#sthash.3R4CoVC6.dpuf

The Prayer to the Sacred Heart

Oh Lord Jesus Christ, to Your most Sacred Heart I confide this intention {name petition}.
Only look upon me, then do what Your love inspires. Let Your Sacred Heart decide.
I count on You. I trust in You. I throw myself on Your mercy. Lord Jesus, You will not fail me.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in You.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I believe in Your love for me.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, Your kingdom come.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I have asked You for many favors, but I earnestly implore this one.
Take it, place it in Your open Heart.
When the Eternal Father looks upon it, He will see it covered with Your Precious Blood.
It will be no longer my prayer, but Yours, Jesus. Sacred Heart of Jesus,
I place all my trust in You. Let me not be disappointed. Amen.
- See more at: http://www.prayers-for-special-help.com/prayer-to-the-sacred-heart.html#sthash.3R4CoVC6.dpuf

The Prayer to the Sacred Heart

Oh Lord Jesus Christ, to Your most Sacred Heart I confide this intention {name petition}.
Only look upon me, then do what Your love inspires. Let Your Sacred Heart decide.
I count on You. I trust in You. I throw myself on Your mercy. Lord Jesus, You will not fail me.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in You.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I believe in Your love for me.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, Your kingdom come.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I have asked You for many favors, but I earnestly implore this one.
Take it, place it in Your open Heart.
When the Eternal Father looks upon it, He will see it covered with Your Precious Blood.
It will be no longer my prayer, but Yours, Jesus. Sacred Heart of Jesus,
I place all my trust in You. Let me not be disappointed. Amen.
- See more at: http://www.prayers-for-special-help.com/prayer-to-the-sacred-heart.html#sthash.3R4CoVC6.dpuf

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Sorry for the lateness of this post I was struggling, once again, on how to begin There is so much to pray for, however, our main focus in this pray along is our priests and deacons So, I am beginning with a prayer for priests Thank you for coming along with me

A Prayer for Priests

O Jesus, Eternal Priest, keep Thy priests within the shelter of Thy
Sacred Heart, where none may touch them.
Keep unstained their anointed hands, which daily touch Thy Sacred Body.
Keep unsullied their lips, daily purpled with Thy Precious Blood.
Keep pure and unworldly their hearts, sealed with the sublime mark of
the priesthood.
Let Thy Holy Love surround them from the world's contagion.
Bless their labors with abundant fruit, and may the souls to whom they
minister
be their joy and consolation here and their everlasting crown
hereafter.

Mary, Queen of the Clergy, pray for us: obtain for us numerous and holy
priests. Amen.

Memorare (Pray nine times)

REMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that
anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy
intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to
thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before thee I
stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not
my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

St Michael Prayer

Saint Michael the
Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the malice and
snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray; and do thou, O
Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan
and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of
souls. Amen.

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

How is the pray along going? Seems I get so distracted when I host one of these, like the forces of good and evil are vying for my attention. Even so, I can't believe that we are at day 7 already. Thank you for praying along with me. I plan to attend daily Mass tomorrow and will pray for all my fellow prayer warriors who have taken the trip with me. It means so much to have others praying with me.

Eucharistic adoration is my favorite devotion and from where I draw the most strength and peace. I feel it appropriate to include today the Angel's Prayer given in Fatima in adoration of the precious Sacrifice of Christ. The power of the Eucharist is not something to be underestimated. St Clare saved her entire convent simply by holding the blessed monstrance above her head while they were under siege. No weapons, just Christ. Christ truly is all we need.

The Angel's Prayer (pray three times)

O most Holy Trinity--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit--I adore thee profoundly. I offer Thee the Most Precious Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ--present in all the tabernacles of the world--in reparation of all the outrages, sacrileges, and indifferences by which He is offended. By the infinite merits of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I beg the conversion of poor sinners.

Memorare (Pray nine times)

REMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that
anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy
intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to
thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before thee I
stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not
my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

St Michael Prayer

Saint Michael the
Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the malice and
snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray; and do thou, O
Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan
and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of
souls. Amen.

Monday, August 1, 2016

I have felt drawn to St Philp Neri this pregnancy in a way that I can't really explain. However, this connection is real and I feel that he is interceding for my in ways I cannot see. I was struggling to find an opening prayer today, my heart is heavy with many concerns for our world and our Church. There was no clear direction, no prayer that was just laying on my heart. In a moment of desperation, since it is getting so late in the day, I searched "St Philip Neri Prayer". The first prayer offered today is the first one to pop up in my search and it is exactly what I needed for today. God is good, thank you Holy Spirit!

Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice! (Phil. 4:4)

O holy St. Philip Neri, patron saint of
joy, you who trusted Scripture’s promise that the Lord is always at hand
and that we need not have anxiety about anything, in your compassion
heal our worries and sorrows and lift the burdens from our hearts. We
come to you as one whose heart swells with abundant love for God and all
creation. Hear us, we pray, especially in this need (make your request
here). Keep us safe through your loving intercession, and may the joy of
the Holy Spirit which filled your heart, St. Philip, transform our
lives and bring us peace. Amen. (source)

Memorare (Pray nine times)

REMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that
anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy
intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to
thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before thee I
stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not
my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

St Michael Prayer

Saint Michael the
Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the malice and
snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray; and do thou, O
Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan
and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of
souls. Amen.